David Gray: Immune memory

In this video David describes his research that investigates the interactions of T and B lymphocytes that are important for the generation of immunological memory.

Background:

David Gray investigates the interactions of T and B lymphocytes that are important for the generation of immunological memory. This has impacts on how we develop new vaccines but also on our understanding of the chronic inflammation in autoimmune disease.

Some projects are:

A study to tease apart the signals that B cells deliver to allow the development and survival of a specialized subset of CD4 T cells, T follicular helper cells (Tfh).

Having found that development of CD4 T cell memory is dependent on B cells, we are now testing the hypothesis that Tfh are the precursors of memory T cells.

To understand how the lifespan of antibody producing cells (plasma cells) is regulated, especially during persistent infections and autoimmunity.

Recognition of self molecules on apoptotic cells by B cells causes them to secrete regulatory cytokines. The very same self molecules are also targets for autoantibodies (made by B cells) in autoimmune disease. We are investigating whether these regulatory B cells can be switched into a pathogenic mode as a prelude to autoimmunity.